Recruitment crisis

93% of employers told us that they are finding it difficult to recruit skilled workers - this is a staggering statistic. 

Vicky James, the EEA Membership Engagement Coordinator, shares her views on the challenge that faces all equestrian employers...


Recruiting staff is difficult, and it is no secret that there is a lack of grooms in our industry. Is it time to look at things a bit differently? I think it is.

We need to consider the change in expectations from the newer generations entering the workplace, and this is in fact something that is not equestrian-specific. Plus we need to recognise the changing times, especially following the Pandemic and now during the Cost of Living Crisis. 

New Generations

Many of the staff that you will now employ will be Generation Z (those born from 1997 onwards). They will have different ideas about what is acceptable than the generations that proceed them.

Generally, they will expect:

• Flexibility in their working patterns
• A role that is meaningful and where there are clear career progression opportunities
• Adherence to all employment laws, especially the National Minimum Wage
• A supportive culture
• Awareness of mental health
• A business that is ethically run

They are far more likely to change jobs where these needs are not met. As an employer, we must consider this and change the viewpoint that the youngsters today are the same as us older generations - they are not. 

YOUNG PEOPLE DO NOT WORK

There is sometimes an assumption that young people do not want to work, but this simply isn’t the case. They have grown up differently – for example, digital interaction with friends throughout the day is normal.

Generation Z has much higher rates of mental health problems than other generations and may need more support - this means often that the method of 'constructive criticism needs to be carefully considered. 

For some, family affluence and the value of money may differ from those who are older with more sole financial responsibility.

All these things mean that employers need to work harder to attract and engage young people, ensuring they can be flexible and adaptable to their needs to get the best out of them.

Low wage sector and brexit

Low wages are an issue across the industry. It is very common for stable staff to be paid at the National Minimum Wage level. 

Our recent survey told us that 57% of employers see the difficulty of recruiting due to low wages as a huge employment risk.

63% are already worried about the affordability of the National Minimum Wage - especially when it goes up on 1st April 2023. 

Brexit has also caused major issues for some employers too. As grooms are not included on the Government’s Skilled Worker list, it is no longer possible to recruit from the rest of Europe, narrowing the talent pool even further. There is no solution to this challenge and so it is important for employers to offer attractive roles to those that are eligible to work in the UK. 

EMPLOYER CONSIDERATIONS

So if you are really struggling to recruit staff, my view is that you need to take a half-halt and review the opportunity that you are offering. 

The reality is that you will be recruiting predominantly Generation Z'ers... and so here are some suggestions of considerations: 

• Have I reviewed the EEA Recruitment Toolkit? 
• What are the expectations of job seekers and what are they looking for from me as an employer?
• Can I adjust my offering to make it more attractive to different groups eg. the return-to-work mums?
• What is my reputation as an employer?
• Do I need to adjust my induction and staff development opportunities to meet any gaps?
• Where do I advertise for jobs and does this match where the job seeker is looking?
• Low wages might be around for a while, how can I make the workplace attractive in other ways through flexibility, cost-effective benefits, and a fun working environment?
• How can I promote Good Employment more within my marketing?
• Have I signed up to the Code of Good Employment - will this make me more attractive to potential candidates?

The EEA is here for you and your business. If you need support, you can get in touch with us at any time here.

If you’re not a member yet have a look at how we can help you.